Physical activity

The data in this indicator is no longer being updated.

Stats NZ is developing well-being indicators, Indicators Aotearoa New Zealand - Ngā Tūtohu Aotearoa, to track New Zealand’s progress. As the well-being indicators have similar aims to the NZ Progress Indicators and NZ Social Indicators, we are reviewing the future of these existing indicators.

Why is this important for social statistics?

Physical activity is important because of its health benefits. It can help prevent or manage conditions like heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression. Low physical activity accounted for just under 3% of all illness, disability and premature mortality in 2013 (Ministry of Health 2016).

This indicator measures the proportion of the population aged 15 years and over who are physically active. Physical activity is defined as doing at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or moderate-intensity physical activity (or equivalent vigorous activity), for at least 10 minutes at a time, at least five days a week (Ministry of Health 2016).

Most recent data

The graphs below are interactive. Hover over data points to see exact values. Click legend text to hide or show variables.

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Information about the data

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Date published: March 2017 Next update expected: December 2017 Update frequency: Annually Specific classification used: ‘Physically active’, as calculated from answers to the New Zealand Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form questions.
Physical activity is calculated as:
time respondents spent brisk walking + time spent doing moderate-intensity activity + (2x time spent doing vigorous activity).
So, one minute of vigorous activity equals two minutes of moderate-intensity activity.
A person is considered ‘physically active’ if they did at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity (or equivalent) physical activity a day on five or more days of the last week. Geographic coverage: National Demographic information available? Yes Internationally recognised measure? No Source: Ministry of Health – New Zealand Health Survey Purpose of the survey or data: To provide information about the health and well-being of New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) collects information that cannot be obtained more effectively or efficiently through other means. The NZHS is the best source of information at a population level for many of the topics covered. Data quality:Methodology report 2015/16: New Zealand Health Survey